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2010 N2N Snowbowl

Submitted by Jessica Teta on March 12, 2010 - 1:23pm

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As the grips of this recession continue to squeeze tight, it is clear that it is up to each and every individual to utilize his or her skills and talents to help make a difference. Ask any non-profit or state agency and they will tell you that the increase in basic needs and assistance are at their highest levels ever. Unemployment levels have skyrocketed and that doesn’t even include those that are underemployed. The subsequent fallout has created a challenge for many area agencies to handle the increased need.

In an effort to address these emergency needs, the United Way of Greater New Haven has partnered with The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven to hold their 2^nd Annual Neighbor-to-Neighbor Lifeline effort, to raise funds for emergency shelter, food and utility assistance in the Greater New Haven region. Last year, they raised over $642,000 that had an immediate effect on the residents it served. This year their hope is to raise $1 million! A daunting task, yes….but if we are creative and determined in the way we approach such a task, anything is possible.

For example, my coworker, Kevin Meise, a server at Outback Steakhouse and his friend Brian Buzacki, a manager at TGIFriday’s proposed a plan to me to get young people involved and give back to the community. They suggested we have a friendly co-ed flag football game followed by proceeds night …thus the 2010 N2N Snowbowl was born. Outback Steakhouse provided the cost for the field at the CT Sportsplex and TGIFriday’s hosted 2 nights where 20% of all food sales would be donated to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Lifeline effort. Local distributors provided prizes that were raffled off and those proceeds also contributed to the campaign. All together it was a successful and fun event which raised about $1000 and brought community members and young people together to play an active role in the betternment of their community.

It is important to recognize that as our world is changing, the way we do business must change too. Philanthropy is no different and we now must reexamine how our efforts can evolve to significantly impact our communities in which we live. Be creative and have fun!